In Fetal Circulation, the Ductus Arteriosus and Foramen Ovale

Question

In fetal circulation, the ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale:
A)take blood from the fetus to the placenta.
B)connect the pulmonary artery with the aorta.
C)bypass the lungs.
D)shunt blood from the right atrium into the left atrium.

Accepted Answer

The ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale both function to bypass the lungs in fetal circulation. The ductus arteriosus allows blood to flow from the pulmonary artery to the aorta, bypassing the lungs, while the foramen ovale shunts blood from the right atrium directly into the left atrium, also bypassing the lungs.